Approaching Recruitment Companies after being SAHM

[PastaLaFeasta]

I've been home for six years including maternity leave and about to try getting work. It's a career change (finance/accounts) so starting from the bottom, I have some relevant experience from work and more recently volunteering but it's not directly relevant. I also gained a lowish level qualification in accounting. I have a good degree and several years work experience, although had kids earlier than planned so hadn't progressed much - I'm early/mid 30s now.

I was told I would've been offered a job with the charity I volunteer for but I decided against it before interviewing as it's not the direction I've been working towards. I have a potential opportunity in September but can't count on it actually happening so want to explore the job market and get out there with the aim to start a role in mid September. Is it worth setting up meetings with recruitment companies over the next month - before schools break up and I have no child free time? I am quite worried about the reaction to being out of employed work so long and having limited experience in the field - I've tried to get experience and its much harder than I expected.

[jclm]

No advice sorry but following! X

[SherryRB]

yes definitely I would encourage you to talk to agencies now especially as they'll perhaps be able to give feedback on what, if anything, you need to do to smarten up your CV or your LinkedIn profile. Recruiting managers will often not be available themselves during the holidays and recruitment generally slows down, however this could be a good time to focus on networking, reconnecting with people you've worked with in the past. Sometimes it's easier to find a job when you are already employed so it may be worth taking on short-term contract roles even if it's not in the exact field that you want; or maybe temping. What sort of career change are you looking at?

[SherryRB]

I'd love to add you Helen923 to my blog post list of recruitment agencies for mums/part-time jobs etc. Would that be ok? The post is here if you'd like to check it out: theconfidentmother.co.uk/top-recruitment-agencies-for-career-break-mums/